Article credit to TruckingInfo.com

Participants in a panel at the Omnitracs Outlook User Conference shared some of the ways they have used trucking technology to improve their CSA scores and overall safety performance. The conference was held in Dallas Feb. 8–11.

Since its introduction in 2010, the Federal Motor Carriers Association’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program has prompted many fleets to seek ways to lower their CSA scores.

Automated driver logs have had a major impact on scores for Swift Transportation and FedEx Custom Critical. Victor Malchesky, director of safety and compliance for Swift, said his company had been using automated logs for two years. Given the size of the fleet, “it was a big endeavor,” he said. But the company had seen results in lower CSA scores.

FedEx Custom Critical is 100% independent contractors, with 2,500 drivers and 1,250 power units. The units are all equipped with Omnitracs’ MCP200 in-cab devices, with automated logging applications. “We saw our CSA scores improve within six months,” said Scott McCahan, senior manager safety and contractor relations. “The drivers love it.”

In fact, he noted that most of the company’s contractors saw a gain in available hours with the electronic logs. They also used electronic driver vehicle inspection reports.

The company validates roadside inspections against the DVIRs to ensure their contractors are performing the inspections. CSA prompted FedEx to bring on a field safety liaison who travels the country visiting with contractors and checking out their vehicles.

Trucking technology article continued on the TruckingInfo.com website.